ACCSD responds to West Side Marina dredging

Friday, April 19th, 2013

Press Release – Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development - April 19, 2013 - ACCSD is very concerned about the dredging taking place on the west side of the marina. We are concerned that the laws of the country are apparently not being followed.

There was no EIA for this development when it is clearly stated that any dredging that exceeds 50,000 cubic yards should require an EIA. We are concerned that proper protocol does not seem to have actually taken place in this instance.

This area is a major fishing spot for the fly fishermen who visit this area on a daily basis. We cannot stress how very important it is to protect these areas as they are where all the fishes are born. The mangroves around this island are very important, they are our natural barriers against storms; provide a home for all the fishes that eventually make it to the reef which is our most precious natural asset.

Destruction of these areas is simply not the right thing to do. Tourists come to fly fish these areas, pumping millions of dollars in our local economy, which translates in revenue for the GOB, it simply doesn’t make sense to keep destroying the very same areas that feed us. San Pedro has the highest concentration of fly fishermen in this country, plus the highest number of tour guides that belong to one association which is the San Pedro Tour Guide Association; we simply cannot afford to put their livelihood at risk.

There have been several more instances in this island of mangroves areas been cleared, without any kind of permits to do so. We strongly urge the relevant authorities to put a stop to this kind of illegal activity that seems to be happening on a regular basis. ACCSD has always and we will continue to be, for the sustainable development of our island.